Common WiFi Problems and How to Fix Them

Raise your hands if this sounds familiar. You’re on an important Zoom call for work, when the kids come home and all log on to the internet at once. Your call lags at the most critical point in your presentation, which you then have to present all over again, as the internet couldn’t keep up.

Slow internet speeds and frustrating dead zones in your home are just some examples of common WiFi issues that many face. These WiFi issues can disrupt your daily routines and leave everyone feeling frustrated.

The good news is that many of these common issues can be fixed with a little troubleshooting or by understanding what’s causing the problem in the first place. In this guide, we’ll explore common WiFi issues faced by households. We’ll also offer simple fixes you can try today, and dive into solutions for more complex problems.

The Usual Suspects: Identifying Common WiFi Problems

Before diving in to fix any internet problem, it’s important to pinpoint the cause. Even the best internet plans can experience hiccups, and these common WiFi issues often provide clues to the bigger issues.

• Unstable Connections and Spotty Coverage:

  In some parts of your home, you might encounter weak, unreliable, or non-existent WiFi signal – these are known as dead zones. Additionally, you might find that your WiFi disconnects unexpectedly and often, or that devices (like your smart TV or gaming console) have trouble maintaining a stable connection. These connection problems can arise from factors such as physical obstructions, distance from the router, interference from other electronic devices, router/device compatibility issues, or outdated equipment.

• Slow Internet Speeds/Lag:

  Many users experience delayed loading times for web pages, slow file downloads, buffering videos, and lag during online activities like gaming or video calls. These issues can significantly impact your online experience and may arise from an inadequate internet plan, network congestion, or an excessive number of users/devices on the network.

• Difficulty Connecting New Devices:

  Difficulty connecting a new device to your home network sometimes stem from incorrect password entry or network security issues. However, it can also relate to how your router is set up to handle new connections. For example, a setting on your router might be unintentionally blocking new devices, or there could be a minor hiccup in how the router assigns internet addresses.

Now that we've identified the usual suspects, let's move on to the arsenal of basic troubleshooting you can employ to tackle these issues head-on.

How to Fix Internet Problems: Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Often, the fix to your WiFi issues doesn't require a complete overhaul of your network. Before diving into more complex solutions, let's explore some quick and easy troubleshooting steps that can often resolve some of the more common internet problems.

1. Check WiFi Connection Via Device 

Ensure your device's WiFi is enabled and connected to the correct network. Your device may sometimes disconnect from your home WiFi or connect to an incorrect network. Check your settings to confirm that it's connected to the intended network and that the correct password is entered. If you have multiple WiFi networks available, ensure you connect to the right one.

2. Check Internet Speeds

To check your internet speed, you can use online speed test tools or websites. These tools measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency). These measurements provide a snapshot of the current performance of your internet connection. Significantly lower than expected download or upload speeds, or a high ping, can indicate a potential issue that warrants further investigation within your home network.  

3. Manage Connected Devices

The number of devices using your WiFi can impact performance. Identify devices that are using a lot of bandwidth and consider limiting their usage or disconnecting them temporarily to free up bandwidth for other activities. Many routers also have settings that allow you to prioritise certain devices or types of traffic.

4. Restart Modem and Router

This is a classic troubleshooting step and for good reason. It is often effective in resolving temporary glitches and connectivity issues. Restart by switching off your router and unplugging for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and turning it on. Wait for the device to fully restart and reconnect to the internet.

5. Optimise Router Placement

The location of your router plays a role in your home’s WiFi coverage. Position it in a central location, away from obstructions like walls or large furniture. Better yet, elevate the router to improve signal distribution. In other words, it should be in an open area, high up, and as close to the centre of your home as possible.

Read our article “Understanding How WiFi Coverage Impacts Performance” for more information.

6. Check With Your ISP for Outages

Sometimes, internet problems are caused by outages in your area. Check your ISP's website or social media channels for any reports of such incidents. You can also contact customer support to inquire about known issues. This step helps determine if the problem is within your home network or something out of your control.

With these basic troubleshooting steps, you can resolve many common WiFi problems and restore a stable and reliable internet connection. But if these steps don't resolve your issues, it may be necessary to explore more advanced troubleshooting techniques.

Deeper Dive: Addressing More Complex WiFi and Internet Problems (If Basic Troubleshooting Fails)

Consider Upgrading Your Internet Plan for Higher Speeds

A plan with greater bandwidth provides the necessary capacity to support multiple users and their devices simultaneously without significant slowdowns. This ensures smoother online experiences for everyone, especially as your family and their digital needs expand.

Consider a WiFi Extender or Mesh System

A WiFi extender or mesh system can significantly improve your coverage to potentially remove dead zones from your home. WiFi extenders amplify your existing WiFi signal, while mesh systems create a network of interconnected nodes that provide seamless coverage throughout your home. Mesh systems are generally more effective for larger homes or complex layouts.

Switch to Reliable Home Connectivity with Maxis Home Fibre

WiFi problems may be frustrating, but the good news is they’re often solvable with a bit of know-how and effort. From simple fixes to more advanced solutions, we hope that this article has given you the information to solve some of these common issues. And when all else fails, seeking professional help ensures your home network is running as efficiently as possible.

Consider checking out Maxis today. We can help you solve some of the common WiFi woes with the right speeds built for the needs for your home with our Maxis Home Fibre plans. For a comprehensive, hassle-free WiFi solution, check out Max WiFi by Maxperts, available as an add-on with your home fibre plan. With expert setup and ongoing support, you can ensure your entire home is covered with a reliable, high-performance network. Say goodbye to buffering and dead zones, and hello to seamless connectivity.

P.S. when you sign up as a Maxis customer, the Maxis App also gives you great tools to help you troubleshoot and manage any potential future WiFi problems. Sign up now.